May 29 (THEWILL) — The 2026 Ojude Oba Festival is taking place today, Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Awujale Pavilion and Palace grounds in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, with crowds still arriving as activities build across the venue.
The festival, regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural and fashion events, holds on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, and this year’s theme honours the legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died in July 2025 after a 65-year reign.
The Ojude Oba Festival began as an Islamic thanksgiving gathering where early Muslim converts paid respect to the Awujale.
It has since grown into a major cultural event that brings together people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Early arrivals and Regberegbe age groups are already filling the venue in colourful Aso-Oke, gele headwraps, agbadas, and other Yoruba traditional outfits, turning the space into a vibrant cultural display.
The equestrian parade is also ongoing, with horse riders from the Balogun and Seriki families performing traditional displays in honour of the Awujale. The tradition dates back to the 19th century.
Dignitaries are already at the venue, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, and Seyi Tinubu, with more still arriving.
Major brands such as Glo and FCMB are also supporting the festival, while people from the diaspora and across Nigeria continue to arrive.
The festival is still ongoing, with more cultural performances expected later in the day.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
